He played in only five games in the 1983 season because of nagging injuries and suffering a concussion against Texas. Dupree provided ESPN several photos of what appear to be teenage boys, whom he says he mentored at his stables in Flora, as well as photos from numerous public appearances. First quarter, you may score two touchdowns. After that, he started acting like he knew me and that we were friends. Their conversation was cordial, direct, but brief. And it would be the best for Barry Switzer and the OU Sooners. He knows that young people make mistakes. The injury is severe enough to end his career with the Breakers, and when the NFL declares him eligible a year afterward it is already too late for him to recover. Marcus dupree mvp college recruiting &, consulting is dedicated to help guide and educate high school student athletes playing football and other sports. Marcus Dupree, a Mississippi football legend, denies that he defrauded the state's welfare system and is "shocked" to be "lumped in" with Brett Favre in the fraud investigation's findings. Why is the Steelers logo only on one side of their helmets? However, he would never play another down for the Breakers. On April 13, 2018, Dupree's foundation purchased the horse farm and residence in Flora where Dupree lives for $855,000. . He also noted the "unreasonableness" of using federal welfare money, intended for job training and assistance for needy families, to help purchase a five-bedroom home and a horse farm for a state-contracted employee. In October 1990, Dupree signed with the Los Angeles Rams, who had drafted him in 1986 in case he became fit again,[11] after a five-and-a-half-year absence from the football field. He appeared headed for a long career in the National Football League. Fairley, 62, faces up to 25 years in prison. "I have a lawyer, and I'm just waiting to see how it all pans out," Dupree said. At the same time, Dupree comes to feel that he is being treated unfairly and is not being given the same privileges and benefits of the other players, such as preferential housing and monetary compensation. "I'm getting lumped in with whatever Brett Favre and the governor had going on. The Best Marcus Dupree Brother Reggie Died Ideas. As a senior in 1981, he rushed for 2,955 yards and scored 36 touchdowns. In an Oklahoma uniform of sorts yet again, this time around Marcus Dupree isnt playing football or gunning for the Heisman trophy. But the one question people always wanted to know: Did Ken Fairley ever go to jail? Host . For every Marcus Allen, Barry Sanders or Emmitt Smith, there's an Anthony Thompson, a Paul Palmer and a LeShon Johnson, guys who never matched their college success in the NFL. who was 'jumping up and down and cheering as hard as anyone ain't that a kick in the pants?' He's been in and out of hospitals many times and still needs further medical attention. There is no doubting the Sooners got a black eye over this. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. All rights reserved. At this moment, it is the most logical guess. Dupree agreed and began working out, losing 100 pounds in just over three months and going back to running a 4.3 40-yard dash. Dupree told Barr he "was shocked" to learn Nancy New, head of one of the non-profits in charge of Families First, pleaded guilty to federal and state bribery and fraud charges earlier this year. Marcus dupree was once the biggest name in the future of football. After his freshman season at the University of Oklahoma, Marcus Dupree was on pace to become one of the all-time great college football running backs. Five have pleaded guilty. He got off to a good start, rushing 69 yards on 17 carries with a touchdown. Dupree is not permitted to play for most of their games, and the University of Oklahoma suffers a string of devastating losses.Soon after these losses, Switzer makes the surprising announcement that the team is abandoning their vaunted wishbone offensive strategy in favor of one involving a single running back, favoring Dupree. Dupree committed to play for Barry Switzer at the University of Oklahoma. Marcus Dupree was the most heralded recruit of his time. But he didnt give up, and now, hes gone on to become a USWA Professional Wrestler, while also running a sports bar and working in a casino. [3] For the fourth game Switzer abandoned his favored wishbone offense and made Dupree the tailback in the I formation to take advantage of his skills. He also wrote that Dupree could have been the greatest running back of all time. A lawsuit filed in May by the Mississippi Department of Human Services alleges Dupree was illegally paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal welfare money that was intended for the state's neediest families. Dupree told ESPN he "was shocked" when he learned that Nancy New, the head of one of the nonprofits, the Mississippi Community Education Center, had pleaded guilty to 13 felony counts of bribery, fraud and racketeering. An investigation by Mississippi Today was the first to reveal that the nonprofits that paid Dupree and others either misspent or stole at least $77 million in welfare funds in what's considered the worst public corruption case in state history. But on Wednesday, Fairley said Dupree simply wanted to "play football" this year. Today, marcus dupree is said to have a net worth of $10,000, according to celebrity net worth.the primary source of the retired star',s net worth is his earnings from a career as a. They're the ones who didn't achieve NFL success for reasons of circumstance. I just looked at him asanother guy trying to get me to sign with his school. He is an actor and producer, known for fragmented. In his first season at Oklahoma, Dupree didnt get a whole lot of playing time early, but after the Sooners starter 1-2, Dupree got thrown int the mix a little more. "I worked too hard on my reputation to do the right thing and be the right person, and I don't like what's going on. He didn't have a step to lose to begin with so , he left deciding to try to rehab and play at a JUCO or small college which never happened . In his autobiography, Switzer devoted an entire chapter to Dupree, saying he regretted not getting to know him better. In his senior year, he eclipsed Herschel Walkers national high school career touchdown record when he collected 36, giving him a total of 81. Whatever Happened to Jim McMahon, the Punky QB of the Chicago Bears? He also noted the "unreasonableness" of using federal welfare money, intended for job training and assistance for needy families, to help purchase a five-bedroom home and a horse farm for a state-contracted employee. She kept saying, Something aint right about that guy. As usual, my grandmother proved to be right again.. Whatever happened to Marcus Dupree? He reported to campus late, missed the team photo and put on considerable weight. It resurrected his popularity. Dupree first met Fairley during his senior season of high school. Dupree signed with the USFL, playing for the New Orleans Breakers. Sadly, he was cut from the team as his coach, Chuck Knox, thought his performance wasnt up to the mark. During his post-playing days, Dupree maintained local-celebrity status within his home state, frequently appearing at public functions or events staged through his foundation. He has always been willing to offer a second chance. Here's what happened to football player Marcus Dupree and where he is now, in 2023. The superstar that he did not become and the man he is today are the subject of a new documentary airing. It was costing me so much in legal fees that I just said to forget it. Although I don't want to overdramatize this because I don't know the seriousness of her illness, everything is changed if she's sick.". What happened to Marcus Dupree? He starred for the Memphis Showboats. If she's now ill, life has to be doubly tough and would seem to leave Marcus with no choice but to turn pro. 53. By his senior year of high school, Dupree retains his speed despite his imposing size, and breaks several records for high school football. [8] He made his first start against Oklahoma State and scored two touchdowns. But that he followed some bad advice. Although his career as a footballer didnt last too long, he sure managed to win hearts all over the country. Be patient and stay with the process.. I had forgotten about Marcus Dupree.Until roughly a month ago, when I watched a brilliant documentary on ESPN that was conceived, written, and directed by Jonathan Hock. I signed a contract and I did my job," Dupree said. Make no mistake: Mr. Dupree earned the money he was paid, and he never had any reason to believe the money was being improperly spent by state officials," Eichelberger wrote. Commercials deleted. His football journey was profiled in a 2010 ESPN 30 for 30 documentary, "The Best That Never Was.". However, his relationship with Switzer became increasingly strained. In 1984, he joined the United States Football League and signed with the New Orleans Breakers. After several days Dupree decides to contact his mother and reveal his location. He has done speaking engagements for Novo Nordisk in the past where he discusses how he manages his Type 2 diabetes. As a result, he was given the starting tailback position over Stanley Wilson and was named Big Eight Offensive Player of the Week. "I mentored the kids through the horses by having responsibility, cleaning the stalls, and, if you got good with that, I'd let you ride a horse. Doris Allen 1973-1977. "[10] Hampered by injuries, Dupree gained 369 yards on 61 carries with three touchdowns while playing in four of the first five games of the season. Its not how long you stay down. He is an actor and producer, known for Fragmented Commitments, Mississippi Scholar and Enterfear: The Next Wave (2022). In two seasons (1990-91), he rushed 68 times for 251 yards and a touchdown. Ken is going to pay for some of the things hes done., Dupree filed suit against Fairley during the late 1980s, but I didnt see it through. Oklahoma sends several of its alumni, at that time celebrated NFL players, to Mississippi to speak to Dupree. "I don't appreciate being lumped into something like I took money," Dupree said. The Breakers moved to Portland, Oregon for the 1985 season. What Happened to ABC7 Reporter Rachel Anderson? Although Dupree was big at 6' 2", 225 lbs., he was deceptively fast, agile and tough. Despite not starting until the seventh game of the season, Dupree finished with 1,144 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns. Others were just a step too slow., Connolly continued, But youll also find a select few individuals who had all the tools. He was big, fast, and strong with incredible football instincts. I signed a contract and I did my job," Dupree said. We do the wrestling events to see kids cheer and see kids faces smile to it like I did when I was younger.. Marcus L. Dupree (born May 22, 1964) is a former American football player. According to the lawsuit, from August 2017 to September 2019 Dupree was paid $371,000 from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds. But you'll also find a select few individuals who had all the tools. The concussion leaves him dazed and unable to respond to questions.He returns home to Philadelphia for a time and decides that he cannot return to Oklahoma. Armisael Allure 2002-2006. Marcus Dupree, who rose to fame in Mississippi and beyond after a brief but impressive football career that became the subject of an ESPN documentary, is speaking out about his alleged role in a . Even at a young age, he is noticed by his peers for his speed and strength. He becomes a factor in the recruitment negotiations, and he advises Dupree to join the University of Southern Mississippi, as he feels they wanted him more and would do more than other schools to ensure his safety and success.In January 1982, Dupree narrows his choices down to three: Oklahoma, Texas, and Southern Mississippi. 57. He died april 13, 1986, at the age of 42. He said he was trying to put together an advisory unit to help black athletes. Most of the parents just wanted them to be around me. Anyone who got to know Dupree while he was at OU realized he was a good person. Effective 2009 July 1, Reggie Dupre became director of levees for Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana.. At the time of his selection by the Levee Board, Reggie Dupre was a Democratic state senator for District 20 (Houma area), to which he was first elected in a special election in . "[6], Dupree was heavily recruited by the major college football programs, and during the final month of the recruiting period, his high school coach, Joe Wood, answered more than 100 phone calls a day from colleges. The monthly lease payments for the property totaled $9,500, the audit states. but not at Oklahoma," Switzer said. It was the first time the two have communicated since Dupree left the squad. Local law enforcement seems to be complicit in their deaths and covers them up. If there was anyone in the history of . Dupree's mother was supporting the family by herself on the salary of a school teacher. He left in the middle of his sophomore season and briefly attended the University of Southern Mississippi. I was still being recruited by schools from all over the country. [16], Dupree has three sons, Marquez, Landon and Rashad. Marcus Dupree was a national star as a freshman running back at the University of Oklahoma in 1982. Dupree had already displayed his supreme athletic prowess while at Philadelphia High School in Philadelphia, Mississippi. And it finally did for Ken., Asked if he believedFairley will receive the maximum sentence, Dupree answered: He needs to serve his time., RELATED: Jury finds Kenneth Fairley guilty on all three counts. A lawsuit filed in May by the Mississippi Department of Human Services alleges Dupree was illegally paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal welfare money that was intended for the state's neediest families. He is 19 years old and sitting before a cadre of sportswriters from Chicago and New York, L.A., Washington and. Where Is Damani Whitlock from Last Chance U Season 2 Now? When I recovered from the anaesthesia after my injury and surgery while with the Breakers, I looked up at my Mom. I didn't even know about that, nothing. This page was last edited on 19 February 2023, at 13:17. Such was the case with Marcus Dupree, a star running back who lit the college football scene on fire as a freshman in 1982.. He feels an extra twinge of regret when the 1985 Oklahoma college team goes on to win the national championship.In the present-day, Dupree visits the house that once belonged to his deceased mother, combing through his old trophies and possessions. I first heard about his legend a few years back and I've found it to be utterly captivating and fascinating. It is declared that he will never play again, and the money he made with the Breakers soon evaporates, particularly after a series of lawsuits concerning bad loans that Fairley took out. Bornon May 22, 1964, Marcus Dupree grew up in Philadelphia, Mississippi. I had the impression before I went to Oklahoma from just watching Coach Switzer on TV, Dupree told Sports Illustrated in 1983, that hes a hard guy and that he treats his players hard. The ramifications of these events last for many years after they transpired. Some of the unfortunate ones were too small. Be patient with the process, he said. But his name didn't appear with any frequency in the national media until the results of a state audit in Mississippi became public and a lawsuit was then filed by the state in May against Dupree, his foundation and dozens of other defendants. Ultimately, the USFL waives its own regulations in order to sign Dupree for the New Orleans Breakers. He joined the United States Football League the following season and signed with the New Orleans Breakers in 1984. In 1983, Dupree declared hed be transferring to Southern Mississippi. Can the Lions fix their defense? Breakers fans saw him as a local boy made good; the Superdome was packed with large crowds by USFL standards.[10]. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. He is taken out of a number of games, but starts the next season. When I got ready to buy my mother a car, I said, Let me check with Ken, Dupree recalled. He played in 15 games over two seasons for the Los Angeles Rams, before being waivedprior to the1992 season. His mother, the late Cella Ruth Dupree Conner, soon began telling Dupree the same. His second and final season in the usfl was. I have to give . Dupree came home to Mississippi and enrolled at USM. I just figured it was all being put into savings for me. The NCAA ruled that Dupree would have to miss one full season after transferring, meaning he would have to miss the rest of the 1983 season and all of 1984. Switzer was on Dupree about his weight and sometimes called him out for being lazy. However, he goes on to Oklahoma and is coached by Barry Switzer, who instantly recognizes Duprees talent and skill. He is known for being a Football Player. ESPN and First Take regular Marcus Spears married to former WNBA player. I can't wait until we go to court. We help them (and their families) travel through the college recruiting process with confidence and a peace of mind, he says of the company. I didn't even know about that, nothing. One in this series of sports documentaries presented by ESPN about important people and events from 1979 to 2009.This film is about the tumultuous and misfortune-laden career of football player Marcus Dupree. Marcus Dupree was one of the most exciting college football prospects of all time. The season continues, and Dupree suffers chronic problems with his hamstring, sidelining him for a time. Marcus strove to do better and work that much harder because Reggie couldn't do the thinks Marcus could. I never saw a cent of that. Marcus has had difficulty coping with the fact he cannot play college football until 1985 and has talked of the possibility of playing professional football, Jim Carmody, Southern Mississippis head coach, said in a New York Times article in 1984. i wish i could do that.. [7], When Dupree arrived at the University of Oklahoma in 1982, head coach Barry Switzer said, "He was the best player on the field. Returning in week 8, he played more often and scored his only NFL touchdown that year. Marcus is thought to live with girlfriend, Kim, and enjoys spending time with his family. BIOG: NAME: 2023 www.oklahoman.com. Dupree attended Philadelphia High School in Philadelphia, Mississippi, and began his football career as a wide receiver before switching full time to running back as a sophomore. Dupree has appeared in regional commercials including Hyundai and was cast in a 2017 feature film, One Mile to You. [Clarion-Ledger] On March 13, 2020, an article in the Jackson Mississippi newspaper Clarion-Ledger identified $104,974 in allegedly misappropriated TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) that was paid to Dupree for his role as a spokesperson for the charity Families First. "If Mr. Dupree would like to argue that the amounts he was paid were reasonably justified for the number of speeches given and can show proof of the speeches, he will be able to make that argument in a court," White said. His second and final season in the USFL was short-lived after sustaining a severe knee injury. All rights reserved. He enjoys the experience, and feels that he finally got some vindication after years of suffering. To meet the classroom requirements, however, Dupree would need to pass 24 more hours of work between now and September. Dupree and Fairley have been at odds for some time now after the former Oklahoma football star alleged that Fairley cheated him out of millions of dollars in the 1980's. Dupree sued Fairley for. Be the best for Barry Switzer at the University of Oklahoma journey profiled. Anaesthesia after my injury and surgery while with the Breakers too long, he rushed for 2,955 yards a... Him better many years after they transpired from all over the country of all time recognizes Duprees and. Edited on 19 February 2023, at that time celebrated NFL players, Mississippi. Goes on to Oklahoma and is coached by Barry Switzer at the of! With the USFL, playing for the New Orleans Breakers do the thinks Marcus.! 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